Finland’s accession to NATO contributes to the security of the Baltic Sea region and the entire alliance, Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs (JV) admitted on Tuesday at the meeting of foreign ministers of NATO member states, during which Finland became a full member of NATO.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs congratulated Finland on joining NATO. This is a historic event that will significantly promote the security of the Baltic Sea region and the alliance, emphasized Rinkēvičs.
The minister expressed the hope that by the NATO summit in Vilnius this July, Sweden will also become a full member of NATO, thereby strengthening stability in the transatlantic space.
In Latvia’s assessment, the accession of Finland and Sweden will consolidate NATO’s leading role in the Baltic Sea region – in the air, at sea, as well as on land.
The NATO-Ukraine Commission session was also held at the meeting with the participation of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
Speaking about the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine commission, Rinkevičs expressed the position that it is an important signal for the close cooperation between NATO and Ukraine, as well as an important format for promoting practical cooperation.
“NATO’s Vilnius summit must be a strategic summit, so I invite you to evaluate how to further deepen the strategic partnership with Ukraine in the long term. Right now, everything possible must be done to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia. Latvia, for its part, will continue to provide all necessary support to Ukraine,” expressed Rinkevich.
